Presidency denies approving 114% increase in salaries of political office holders

Presidency denies approval of 114% increase in salaries of political office holders

The presidency has denied the allegation that President Bola Tinubu approved a 114% increase in the salaries of the President, Vice President, elected federal and state political office holders, and judicial officers. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement on Thursday.

Presidency denies approval of 114% increase in salaries of political office holders

President Bola Tinubu Recall that the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Muhammad Shehu, Wednesday said the salaries of politicians, judicial and public office holders would be increased by 114 per cent. Shehu, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, spoke on Tuesday while presenting the reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris. But the development drew the ire of civil society organisations, CSOs, law lecturers and Senator Shehu Sani, who argued that the ordinary worker, whose take-home pay was nothing to write home about was the one that deserved such wage increment and not politicians. The RMAFC Chairman, who was represented by a federal commissioner in the commission, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages was effective from January 1, 2023. He said the move was in accordance with the provision of paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Government (as amended). However, Alake denied this, stating that the report was fake and such a proposal has not been brought before Tinubu for consideration. He said, “We state without any equivocation that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration. While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, such cannot come to effect until it has equally been considered and approved by the President. “It is important to note that RMAFC, through its Public Relations Manager, has responded to this fake story being circulated and has already set the record straight. “However, that this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and in a section of mainstream media again brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to the society and our national well-being. “The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create ill will for the new administration, slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians as a result of its fast-paced, dynamic, and progressive policies.” Alake urged journalists, media managers, and members of the public to ignore stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels.

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

A throwback video of popular singer Iyanya speaking on his relationship with Yvonne Nelson and denying dating actress Tonto Dikeh has surfaced online. This comes amidst controversy surrounding a recent revelation made by the Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, who revealed that the Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh had been having an affair with Iyanya while they were dating.

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh. Credit: Iyanya/Instagram. In a recent interview which surfaced, the “Tonight” crooner was seen speaking in an interview, Rubbin’ Minds, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. The show host asked the singer why his relationship with the Ghanaian had sailed and sunk.

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh. Credit: Yvonne Nelson Responding to this, Iyanya explained that they had tried to make their relationship work but it had failed like every other relationships. Ebuka further asked whether there had been a third person in the picture, which Iyanya replied in the affirmative.

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh

Throwback video of Iyanya speaking on relationship with Yvonne, denies dating Tonto Dikeh. Credit: Tonto Dikeh/ Instagram. When asked whether he Tonto Dikeh had been the cause of their break up, he replied in the negative and denied ever dating the Nollywood actress. Watch him speak;

Ikpeazu denies leaving debts for Abia governor, Otti, says N6b was left in govt treasury

Ikpeazu denies leaving debts for Abia governor, Otti, says N6b was left in govt treasury

Former Governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu has faulted the claims by his successor, Alex Otti that he left office without leaving any cash or assets behind. Ikpeazu in a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Iroha, made available to newsmen on Monday claimed that he left N6 billion in the government’s coffer and was not owing any commercial bank, including temporary overdrafts at the time he left office.

Present Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti Recall that Otti, after being sworn in as Labour Party (LP) governor of Abia State disclosed that his predecessor, Ikpeazu’s left a debt of N200bn. Otti added that a total of N50bn debt from unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities was inherited by the new government in Abia State. However, reacting to the allegation, Ikpeazu added that his administration perfected $50 million World Bank facility at a 0.06 per cent interest rate with 10 years repayment moratorium for the construction of more than 500km roads, including dilapidated Port Harcourt Road, Aba. He said, “Abia State under the watch of Dr. Ikpeazu invested $5,000,000.00 in Geometric Power Company. That’s a near-cash asset. “As of Friday, June 9, 2023, the state received N24 billion through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as part of a total of N48 billion standing to the credit of the state. The money was earned under the watch of Dr Ikpeazu. “The implication is that the current administration can commence drawing down on that facility from day one to construct critical roads in Abia State and will not have to repay the money over the pendency of its tenure, assuming it is up to eight years. “African Development Bank facility of $200 million processed by the Ikpeazu administration is also ready for the new administration to access for construction of rural roads.

Former Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu “Before the exit of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from office, Abia State Government and the office of the accountant general of the federation reconciled their accounts with N6 billion standing to the credit of the state. “What that also says is that the Ikpeazu administration was not owing the federal government but rather it was FGN that owed the state. The current administration has access to that additional fund of N6 billion. “While we are still expecting the new administration to give the detailed composition of the alleged debts left behind by the Ikpeazu administration, it is safe to say that they are mostly long-term development facilities, contractor debts, and possibly outstanding payments to pensioners and salary earners. “It is my candid view that the new administration in the state can smoothly take off and service state liabilities with what it has without screaming or yelling.”

DSS denies arresting Emefiele, says he’s not in their custody

DSS denies arresting Emefiele, says he's not in their custody

DSS denies arresting Emefiele, says he's not in their custody

The Department of State Services, DSS, has denied arresting or having the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele under its custody. Recall that shortly after President Bola Tinubu announced his suspension, reports emerged that the suspended Godwin Emefiele was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for interrogation.

Godwin Emefiele However, DSS, in a tweet on Saturday, said that Godwin Emefiele was currently not under its custody. The tweet reads, “Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS.” Emefiele was suspended sequel to an ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi was immediately appointed by Tinubu as the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Who’s that?” — Ike Onyema publicly denies knowing Mercy Eke (Video)

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Popular BBNaija star, Ike Onyema publicly denies knowing his ex-lover, Mercy Eke when asked about the status of their relationship. During a podcast show, Ike was questioned about his current status, perhaps, friendship with the winner of season 4 of Big Brother Naija.

ike onyema

Former BBNaija housemate, Ike Onyema. Credit: @Iam_ikeonyema He initially feigned ignorance about knowing anybody by the name of Mercy Eke but later revealed that they had no communication since they did not reconcile their relationship. “After a while, things fell apart, and we stopped talking. It’s not just about Mercy; it seems to happen with all my exes,” Ike Onyema expressed.

Mercy eke

Winner of season 4 of Big Brother Naija show, Mercy Eke. Credit: official_mercyeke
Source: Instagram While he admitted to missing one of them presently, he admitted that maintaining contact with his exes was not his strong suit as he lacked the skills to do so. Reactions as Ike denies his former lover Olohigbe__ wrote: “Drugs no allow you sabi the woman that housed you and fed you 😂😂😂 #oloshi” Thefoodnetworknig2 penned: “Mercy really showed this boy shege banza in conjunction with nsogbu… This bitterness is abnormal! Oya sorry na 😩” Tosinjuls noted: “Normally your ex should never be your friend if you don’t want problems” Jhulez__ wrote: “Sugar boy is angry that Mercy dumb him 😂sorry bro 😎  denies” Watch the video below … DUPE: Are you & Mercy still cool? IKE ONYEMA: pic.twitter.com/gYShvkCB9j — 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 28, 2023

Adunni Ade denies allegations of debt to late Murphy Afolabi, presents evidence of refund (Photos)

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In a heartfelt public statement, popular Nollywood actress and content creator, Adunni Ade, has vehemently denied the allegations leveled against her concerning an alleged debt owed to the late actor and producer, Mr. Murphy Afolabi. Adunni Ade, through her representative, addressed the issue, seeking to set the record straight and honor the memory of the deceased.

Adunni Ade denies allegations of debt to late Murphy Afolabi, presents evidence of refund (Photos)

Grecian Goddess AMVCA ready! Photo Credit: @iamadunniade Source: Instagram “This isn’t the time for anyone to slander others or say things that will impinge negatively on the memory of a man I treated with honor and respect. Let us all respect the dead. I never cheated him in his lifetime nor would I ever cheat him or anyone in the afterlife. May his soul rest in peace,”  Adunni Ade wrote, emphasizing her deep respect for Murphy Afolabi. The statement issued and signed by Ms. Aderemi Adeleye on behalf of Adunni Ade, the CEO, provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the alleged debt. The evidence presented by Adunni Ade sheds new light on the allegations surrounding the debt owed to the latent Murphy Afolabi. Her words bring forth a fresh perspective, raising doubts about the initial claims and emphasizing the importance of considering all sides of the story before passing judgment. Adunni Ade remains committed to upholding integrity and professionalism in her career and hopes that the truth will prevail while honoring the memory of Murphy Afolabi with respect.   See below;

Adunni Ade denies allegations of debt to late Murphy Afolabi, presents evidence of refund (Photos)

Adunni Ade denies allegations of debt to late Murphy Afolabi, presents evidence of refund (Photos)

Peter Obi denies audio with Oyedepo, says under pressure to leave Nigeria

Peter Obi denies audio with Oyedepo, says under pressure to leave Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, addresses the allegations trailing a leaked audio with Bishop Oyedepo canvassing Christians’ votes.

Peter Obi denies audio with Oyedepo, says under pressure to leave Nigeria

In the leaked audio, the ex-governor of Anambra had allegedly colluded with the founder of Living Faith Church for the support of Christians while stating that the election was a religious war. Addressing the allegations, Peter Obi affirmed that the audio was fake and a distraction from the APC-led government. In a statement via Twitter, he insisted on following through peacefully and legally until his stolen mandate is returned. Peter Obi on Alleged Audio With Bishop Oyedepo “I continue to thank all Nigerians, especially the youths and the Obidients, as they have remained focused on the core mission of a New Nigeria that is POssible even after the February 25, 2023 presidential election. Before, during, and after the campaign, it is on record that I have maintained my commitment and focus on issue-based campaign about a New Nigeria that is POssible, a shift of emphasis from consumption to production, a New Nigeria characterized by inclusion, justice, equity, fairness, and prosperity.
I repeatedly stated that no one should vote for me based on Tribe or Religion, but rather on the assessment of Character, Competence, Capacity, Credibility, and Compassion that can be trusted to create a New Nigeria! The present attempts by the APC as a Party, and the APC Led-government through some government officials and agencies to divert our attention from our blatantly stolen mandate is unfortunate and sad. These have come and continued to manifest in different ways, such as the malicious accusation of the Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohammed, the circulation of a fake doctored audio call, and a pressure on me to leave the country. Let me reiterate that the audio call being circulated is fake, and at no time throughout the campaign and now did I ever say, think, or even imply that the 2023 election is, or was a religious war. The attempts to manipulate Nigerians is very sad and wicked. Our legal team have been instructed to take appropriate legal actions against Peoples Gazette and others. While we call on all concerned Nigerians and the International Community to implore the APC and the APC Led-government to stop their nasty attacks, my focus and commitment to lawfully and peacefully retrieve our mandate to secure and unite our Nation, take Nigeria from consumption to production, pull millions of Nigerians out of multidimensional poverty especially in the North, and jumpstart prosperity through agricultural, industrial, and technological revolution remain unchanged. Elections are over, and we are in court to retrieve our stolen mandate. Let me reiterate that we are doing so through all lawful and peaceful options in line with our legal system and constitution, and I continue to implore all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law abiding. Those fixated with heating up the polity, creating divisions, tensions and hatred within and outside Nigeria should remember that Nigeria is our only country. Our focus should be on how to address the litany of challenges facing us, such as: flawed electoral processes, the parlous state of our economy, unsustainable debt burden, lamentable unemployment and inflation, insecurity, and multi-dimensional poverty. A New Nigeria is indeed POssible, and God will help us. -PO”

“Endless forgeries from APC” — Obi’s campaign team denies leaked audio with Oyedepo

"Endless forgeries from APC" — Obi's campaign team denies leaked audio with Oyedepo

The Presidential Campaign Council of Obi-Datti has denied the authenticity of a leaked audio recording between their Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel).

The leaked audio, which surfaced on the night of April 1, 2023, purportedly features Obi and Oyedepo discussing ways to mobilize Christian voters in the South-West and areas of the North-Central states such as Kwara, Kogi, and Niger. Diran Onifade, who serves as the Head of Media and Communications for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, characterized the leaked audio conversation as a typical example of the numerous falsifications that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is infamous for. Obi’s Campaign Team on Leaked Audio with Oyedepo “It appears the All Progressives Congress’ desperation to grab and retain power by foul means has refused to go away more than a month after they have grabbed the election as they planned. “While we are toeing the constitutional path to retrieve our mandate, those who have truncated the wishes of the majority of Nigerians have recoursed to mischief and endless subterfuge to continue to hold on to what they know does not belong to them. “From the show of shame in Port Harcourt to the drama in the Ibom Air aircraft, both of which they contrived, they have now moved to the circulation of a deep fake audio file aimed at promoting religious tension in the country. “All these are meant to serve no other purpose than egregious mischief aimed at demarketing Peter Obi. If the goal is to create a credibility problem, the ploy has failed woefully. “Peter Obi has long been on record as the only presidential candidate who has urged the Nigerians electorate not to vote for him on the basis of religion or tribe. “We will therefore like to advice our beloved Nigerian people to remain focused on the task to take back the mandate we know was freely given to Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed through legitimate means. “That is more important than to expect those who ran election on forged credentials and even fake Bishops to stop faking. They cannot stop being fraudulent because that is who they are.”

Guardiola denies ‘disrespectful’ celebration against Liverpool

Guardiola denies 'disrespectful' celebration against Liverpool

Guardiola denies 'disrespectful' celebration against Liverpool Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola has reacted to claims of engaging in a “disrespectful” celebration after his team defeated Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 1. Guardiola denies 'disrespectful' celebration against Liverpool Guardiola appeared to celebrate Julian Alvarez’s equaliser in the face of Liverpool substitute Kostas Tsimikas, before bizarrely shaking the hand of Reds midfielder Arthur Melo. Clarifying what happened during the exchange, Guardiola said; “I was happy and I said [to Tsimikas] how nice our goal was.” When another journalist then picked Guardiola up on the incident and enquired whether the celebration was a slight lack of respect for the Liverpool players. Getting visibly more annoyed, he said;

Guardiola denies 'disrespectful' celebration against Liverpool

“I’m so sorry. Speak with Tsimikas, speak with Arthur for a lack of respect. “Ask him if I lack respect. I celebrated the goal. I celebrate with my son on the floor and I come here and I say ‘the goal was nice, wasn’t it?’ That’s all. I’m so sorry. Do you think it was a lack of respect? Ah okay, I’m sorry.” Whilst Guardiola used plenty of time after the match to explain his actions, he also praised his team for their performance against Liverpool as the gap to current Premier League leaders Arsenal was temporarily reduced to just five points. The Spaniard claimed the display was among the best from his side since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

“Our relationship is clout, I paid you” — Boyfriend of James Brown’s sister denies rape allegations (Video)

"Our relationship is clout, I paid you" — Boyfriend of James Brown's sister denies rape claims (Video)

The boyfriend of James Brown‘s sister, Believe, denies rape allegations against him while affirming that their relationship was based on clout.

This comes after Gracious Brown accused her boyfriend of physically abusing her after making attempt to rape her friend. In a follow-up story, Beleive argued that the allegations of rape against him were false while stating that he paid Gracious to be his girlfriend for clout and to promote his music. He further stated that on the day of the incident, Gracious Brown was high and when he refused to have sex with her, she pulled a knife and inflicted injury on herself. He added that her friend joined Gracious to attack him.

james brown's sister gracious

“Gracious Brown I Can’t Date you, you are not my type, you are the one forcing yourself on me. Our relationship is fake it’s for clout I paid you and your brother money; your brother James Brown still owes me money. “Gracious brown and James you both are trying to rip Me. Gracious smokes, she was high wanted to sleep with me but I turned her down because I don’t find her attractive she then carried knife so i acted in self Defense,” he stated. Watch the video below …